Newcastle United are set to lose one of their Under-21 internationals – James Milner – to Aston Villa after the winger yesterday handed in a transfer request.

But the club are set to gain another, in Guthrie – signed from Liverpool this summer after a season on loan at Bolton Wanderers – having impressed Pearce since his move to St James's Park.

The 22-year-old missed out on a place in Pearce's squad for next Friday's European Under-21 Championship qualifier against Portugal at Wembley.

But should any of his midfielders drop out, then Guthrie is likely to be drafted in by the former Newcastle defender.

Pearce was at the Ricoh Arena on Tuesday night to see former schoolboy international Guthrie help United book a place in the Carling Cup's third round.

And he said: "I'm having a good look at Danny Guthrie – he falls into the category of my age group.

"Anyone who is playing first-team football in the Premier League at his age has to be taken seriously
.
"He hasn't been in our squad yet. We watched him at Bolton Wanderers last season, and part of my job here is to have another look at him."

Pearce yesterday named Milner and his Newcastle team-mate Steven Taylor, his captain, in his 25-man squad for the crucial Portugal game.
And he says the pair are the "cornerstones" of his team.

Pearce went on to add: "The two boys from Newcastle have been the cornerstones of the England Under-21 squad ever since I've been in charge.

"They're the sort of kids you could build a house around.

"Milner is seven out of 10 every week. That's what James Milner is.

"They're near enough the first boys I pick in my squad, never mind the team.

"I'm pleased that they're doing well for my old club, and I'm pleased they're playing every week."